Digitising Social Care Newsletter - July 2024

 

Welcome to the latest update from the Digitising Social Care (DiSC) team. We’re funded by the government to help adult social care providers make the most of digital technology, wherever they are on their digital journey. 

Remembering our colleague, Andrew Chiu

We were shocked and saddened to learn about the sudden and untimely passing of our digitising social care colleague Andrew Chiu earlier this month.

Andrew joined NHS England in March 2021 to work on the digitising social care (DiSC) programme, which was still in an embryonic stage. A qualified social worker he brought sector experience and insight to his role both within our programme and across data project teams at the Department of Health and Social Care.

Our collective shock and sorrow at his passing are a reflection of the high regard in which he was held by the digitising social care team.  We will miss him enormously and will continue to honour his memory through our work.

We have set up an online memorial page for Andrew’s colleagues to share their tributes and memories and we will be shortly adding in links to charities he supported for those who wish to make a donation in his memory.

Department of Health and Social Care announces appointment of new Minister of State for Care

Stephen Kinnock was appointed Minister of State for Care at the Department of Health and Social Care on 8 July 2024. He was elected as the MP for Aberafan Maesteg in July 2024.

As part of his new ministerial role, he is responsible for adult social care including workforce, funding, system assurance and data, markets, technology and innovation, and continuing healthcare. Find out more.

Smooth Operator: a Staffordshire care home’s switch to digital

As part of our Clock is Ticking campaign, which aims to encourage care providers to access funding to help them go digital before it’s too late, we are featuring examples of providers that have taken the leap and are reaping the benefits.

The Old Rectory and Hanford Manor in Staffordshire are now fully digital as a result of funding support from the digitising social care programme. Until September last year both of their homes’ care records were entirely paper-based. Read more about their journey.

Delivering truly personalised care using the family portal

One of the benefits of moving from paper to a digital social care record (DSCR) solution is that it makes it easier for relatives, and where appropriate people who receive care, to be involved in developing care plans.

Using the family portal functionality means nominated relatives can be involved in their loved one’s care, regardless of time or place. 

Staff at Drumconner Care Home in Bournemouth are big advocates for the use of the family portal functionality and actively encourage relatives to engage with it.  Read more about their experience.

'Clock is Ticking’ campaign continues – act now to secure funding for getting digital social care records

The Clock is Ticking campaign aims to raise awareness of the support available from local teams to help you on your journey and the need to act now before the application window closes later this year.  

70% of registered care providers are now using digital social care records and are experiencing the benefits, which help improve care, save time and increase efficiency.  

If you missed it, read the blog from Alice Ainsworth, deputy director for social care policy at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), calling on care providers to take advantage of government funding and local support. 

Read our simple steps to access funding and support.

Do you have questions about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication of NHS Mail applies to anyone in social care using an NHS Mail account. 

You may find answers to any questions you have on the NHS Knowledge base - 'MFA User Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)' .

Applications now open for Level 4 Data Analysis Apprenticeship for Adult Social Care analysts

Following the successful launch of the Level 4 Data Analysis Apprenticeship for Adult Social Care analysts in March 2024, applications for the second cohort of learners are open from 8 July – 20 September 2024.

The apprenticeship has been developed with the input of current ASC analysts and includes ASC specific datasets to support them to apply their skills in a real-world context.  

Places are fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and the course lasts for 18 months. There will be a briefing session where you can hear more and ask any questions on 10 September 2024.

Sign up or email: asc.apprenticeship@socialfinance.org.uk for more information.  

Dates for your diary

Remember to check the events section on our website regularly for more training and development opportunities

 
General NewsSupport Remote DigitalDiSC, Digitising Social Care